ARAWA VOLUNTEERS

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12355, 27 January 1926, Page 7

ARAWA VOLUNTEERS

CAPTAIN JONES EXPLAINS ASTONISHED AT STATEMENTS NO COMPLAINTS ON yOYAGE “I was astonished to read the reported complaints of the volunteer crew,” said Captain T. Warren Jones, commander of R.M.S. Arawa, when interviewed concerning the allegations of bad treatment made by some of the men who took the Arawa to England during the British seamen’s strike. “In the first place, it should be understood that these men volunteered to take the ship to England. They saw the quarters they were to occupy, and knew the conditions of employment. They must have realised that they were entering upon an unaccustomed life, under conditions which would be strange to them. X recognised this, and did my best to alleviate those conditions for them. During the homeward voyage they were treated exceptionally "well, and there wer© no complaints of any kind.” In proof of this statement, Captain Jones showed the reporter a telegram winch he received from the volunteers while in I>ondon, asking him and- his officers to accept their “sincere thanks for tih-e considerate treatment during the voyage.” The telegram concluded: “ Cabling this effect Prime Minister, New Zealand.” The trip Home ended happily, since valedictory speeches were made between the volunteer crew and Captain Jones. “In these speeches the men thanked me and my officers for what had been done for them, and I thanked them on behalf of the company for all they had done to bring the 6hip safely Home,” continued Captain Jones. “NO SIGN OF TROUBLE” “Before leaving Panama, the men were given the option of returning to New Zealand within three weeks, or later, and berths were arranged on the Arawa for those who wished to return immediately. The company granted them a lump sum <xf money for maintenance and expenses, which, in some cases, was spent within the first two days. After that they were lodged and looked after jointly by the company and the High Commissioner. Then, as originally agreed upon, they were brought back as third-class passengers. As such they were treated. They had, of course, to conform to the discipline of the ship. Some slight difference arose amongst themselves on the voyage baok. When this was reported to mo, I had to deal with it for the comfort of the large complement of passengers which the ship carried. This may be the reason why one or more of the disgruntled ones made the abatements attributed to them.” Questioned concerning the men’s atlegation that they were afforded no protection on arriving at Home, Captain Jones expressed the utmost surprise that the men ahou'd have said anything on this score. “The statement that they were given no protection is absolutely wrong, as there was no trouble, nor even a sign of trouble, on the arrival of the vessel. The men were met by a representative of the company, and arrangements were made for them to go to the company’s office, where things were arranged for them in connection with their stay and the return voyage. I know there was no trouble, as I was on the ship all the time, and could not get away for two hours after berthing by reason of the arrangements which nad to he made.”